Memphis

Información práctica sobre Memphis

Conociendo la ciudad

As most residents own a car, public transport is not very reliable and the most efficient way to cover the sprawling city is by car, although traffic congestion can make it slow, even more so during rush hours. The city is simple to navigate and parking is generally easy to find. To hire a car drivers must be 21 years old, but most agencies have higher rates for under-25s; some require an International Driving Permit as well as a valid driver's license. Public transport is available, but consists of slow and infrequent buses, as well as the more useful Main Street Trolley that covers downtown in a circular route. Taxis are also available and must be booked by phone.

Clima

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Memphis has a mid-latitude, moist continental climate, which means it has four distinct seasons with cold winters and hot summers. Spring and autumn can be varied and unpredictable and severe weather, like thunderstorms and strong winds, are possible during these transitory seasons. Summers are very humid thanks to moisture encroaching from the Gulf of Mexico, even though the temperature rarely reaches great heights. This makes it feel hotter than it is. Winters, by contrast, can be very cold with temperatures below freezing occurring fairly often. Memphis averages 5.7 inches (14cm) of snow a year. There is plenty of rain to keep the region green, most falling in thunderstorms, but this does not mean there are not plenty of sunny days. Memphis has sun for 64 percent of its days, which it proudly claims adds up to more sunny days annually than are experienced in Miami.

Memphis International Airport

Llegar a la ciudad

Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) public buses leave regularly for the city centre from a bus station near Terminal C, and there are also services to many out-of-town destinations. Taxis are available outside the terminal building. Car rental companies are represented at the airport; free telephones are available in the baggage claim areas to phone for a complimentary shuttle service to take passengers to the desired rental car company.

Alquiler de vehículos

Car rental companies represented at the airport are Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, Enterprise and Thrifty. A shuttle bus takes passengers to the car rental pick-up area from outside the baggage reclaim area; free telephones are available in the baggage claim areas to phone for a complimentary shuttle service to take passengers to the desired rental car company.

Taxis al aeropuerto

Taxis are available outside terminal B baggage claim area at the ground level. A taxi from the airport to the city centre will cost about US$23 and take approximately 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Passengers may negotiate the fare for destinations outside of the city limits.

Instalaciones

There are numerous restaurants, bars and cafes and a variety of shops, including an Elvis gift shop. The International Travel Insurance and Business Service Center, located by Ticket Lobby B, provides a variety of services to business travellers including foreign currency and travellers cheque exchange, travel insurance and fax and photocopy services. 24-hour ATMs are located in Ticket Lobby B next to the Aviation Historical Room and American Express has an Express Cash Machine for travellers cheques located in Concourse B. Disabled facilities at the airport are good; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance.

Aparcamiento

Parking at Memphis International Airport is free for the first 30 minutes. Short-term parking is $2 for the first hour, and $1 every 30 minutes thereafter up to $21 per day. Long-term parking has a similar pricing structure, with an $11 daily rate. Economy parking is $1 for the first 90 minutes, and $6 per day.